The workshop will feature presentations by various experts and researchers focusing on best irrigation and nutrient management practices of vineyards in the San Joaquin Valley. Attendees will gain insights into the irrigation and nutrient needs of vineyards. This knowledge aims to ensure healthier vine…
Christopher Chen, UC Cooperative Extension integrated vineyard systems advisor for Lake, Mendocino and Sonoma counties, works to ensure that the vineyards that produce the region’s world-renowned wines can thrive amid the challenges of climate change, wildfires and water scarcity.
In the winegrape vineyards of northern California, fire and its associated smoke pose a unique threat in the form of smoke-taint damage to the fruit. A preliminary study looks at whether prescribed burning as a fire prevention method poses a risk to winegrape crops.
When to plant: February–March
Harvest window: July–October, depending on variety
Fertilization: Light (if any) nitrogen in the spring; monitor for possible zinc and potassium needs
Prune in dormant season, using the pruning system (cane or spur pruning) based on grape variety.
The University of California has an extensive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) website with a comprehensive section for grapes, including a year-round IPM program and guidelines. The UC IPM guidelines are an excellent source of information on managing pests.
The threecornered alfalfa hopper (TCAH) is a vector of Grapevine red blotch virus that causes Grapevine red blotch disease in vineyards. A degree day model was developed to predict the ideal time frame for ground cover management to help reduce TCAH populations in vineyards.